Clarence Brady

Brady was born on October 6, 1919, in Lilly, Pennsylvania to Jacob V. Brady and Bessie Bell Lytle. Although his name is Clarence, his family called him “EI”, in the military he was known as CL, and later in life everyone just called him “Brady”.

He grew up during the Great Depression and this instilled in him the importance of family and hard work. After graduating from North Braddock High School, PA in 1939, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and was part of their program to shape the national park systems of the United States. He received $30 a month and $25 of that was sent back home to help his family during the Great Depression.

Brady enlisted in the U.S. Air Force soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when he was 21 years old. He received his Aviation Wings in June of 1944 and became a P-51 fighter pilot in the Air Force during WWII. He flew his P-51 fighter from 1943 to 1945 and carried out 40 missions in the pacific theater. One memorable day, he and his 341st fighter squadron were flying back from a mission over Japan when they noticed a very bright flash of light. They would soon find out that they had witnessed the dropping of the first atomic bomb. After WWII, Brady returned home to live in Williamsport, PA, where he attended art classes at Penn State.

While home, he and a friend decided to go to the local YWCA Dance. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jean Leonora Peeling. They were married on June 17, 1950. Their life together was filled with love, adventure, and fun.

Brady began a job as an illustrator for Sears and Roebuck creating artwork for advertising before getting recalled back to active duty in January 1951.   Due to his experience and skills as a fighter pilot, he was assigned as a radar controller, protecting our borders by identifying aircraft entering US airspace.

Together Jean and Clarence raised a daughter, Susan and two sons, Mark and Michael.  Brady stayed in the Air Force for a total of 27 years until 1970 when he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then started a new career as a 5th grade teacher at El Mirage Elementary school and taught there until retiring after 15 years.

During his life he loved traveling the world.  His trips took him from Europe, South America, Australia, China, and every State in the US including Alaska and Hawaii.  He enjoyed working with his hands building furniture and creating paintings and artworks.  He was especially proud of his Munds Park cabin that he built from the ground up.

Brady was giving man who would do anything for anyone and was kind to all he met.  He cherished his family and was always there to support them, give advice or just a big hug (1-2-3 squeeze!).  He was an artist, teacher, warrior, and a devoted and loving husband and father.

Clarence Lytle Brady is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Jean Brady; his daughter Susan Jeanne Brady, sons Mark William Brady (wife Ann), Michael Robert Brady, (wife Stephanie). He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Harper, Caden and Meagan.

A memorial service for Brady will be held at The Church at Litchfield Park, on Saturday June 18th, 2022, at 2PM.